How much does the GMAT cost?
How much does the GMAT cost?
$275 test center registration fee
$300 online test registration fee
GMAT cost
The GMAT costs $275 if you take the exam at a testing center in the U.S. or Canada or $300 for an online exam. GMAT exam prep costs $10 to $300 for study guides and $500 to $2,000 for online or in-person prep courses. Private GMAT tutoring costs $100 to $200 per hour.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Registration fee | $275 – $300 |
| Study guides | $10 – $300* |
| Prep courses | $500 – $2,000* |
| GMAT tutoring | $1,000 – $2,000 (10 hours of tutoring)* |
*Optional costs
GMAT cost breakdown
Most graduate business schools use the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) as part of the admissions process for MBA and other graduate management programs. This exam evaluates critical thinking, data analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for grad school success.
| Fee type | Average test center cost | Average online test cost |
|---|---|---|
| Test registration | $275 | $300 |
| Score report fees | $35 | $35 |
| Reschedule fees | $55 – $165* | $60 – $180* |
| Cancellations | $55 – $110 refund* | $60 – $120 refund* |
| Fee waivers | Varies by school program | Varies by school program |
*Costs and refunds depend on when you cancel or reschedule.
For most countries outside the U.S. and Canada, the standard GMAT registration fee is $250 or the equivalent in local currency.
Students can retake the exam after a waiting period of 16 days with a maximum of 5 GMAT attempts within a 12-month period.
Test accommodations are available for test takers with disabilities or other qualifying health-related needs and may include additional testing time, rest breaks, enlarged font, and adjustable contrast.
GMAT costs are relatively low compared to the overall cost for an MBA, especially from a top-ranked school, which can easily exceed $200,000 for the full two-year tuition, fees, and associated expenses.
Score reports
The GMAT displays your unofficial scores immediately after the exam but prohibits you from saving, printing, or screenshotting the unofficial score. Official scores are available in your mba.com account within 3 to 5 days. You have 48 hours to send free official reports to up to 5 schools. Additional score reports cost $35 each.
Cancellation & reschedule fees
Canceling or rescheduling your GMAT exam incurs added fees, depending on how far in advance you make the change. The closer you are to your test date, the more you’ll pay and the less you’ll get back if you cancel.
| Timeline | Rescheduling fee | Cancellation fee | Refund amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 days or more before exam | $55 – $60 | $165 – $180 | $110 – $120 |
| 15 – 60 days before exam | $110 – $120 | $190 – $210 | $80 – $90 |
| 14 days or less before exam | $165 – $180 | $220 – $240 | $55 – $60 |
| Within 24 hours of exam | Full forfeit of fees | Full forfeit of fees | No refunds given |
GMAT fee waivers
A GMAT fee waiver allows you to register for and take the GMAT at a reduced fee or for free. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) does not provide fee waivers directly to test-takers. Instead, individual business schools distribute a limited number of fee waiver vouchers from GMAC each year.
Each school awards fee waivers based on its own criteria, typically related to financial need or economic disadvantage. Students apply directly through the business schools by checking the school’s financial aid website or admissions office for details on the fee waiver application process.
Some business schools waive the GMAT requirement for veterans and active-duty military, while others may require the exam but waive the associated fees. Search for veteran- or military-friendly MBA programs and check with schools directly for the most current information.
Other GMAT costs
Registration fees only make up a portion of the total cost to take the GMAT. Many other expenses are involved, even for those receiving fee waivers. The final price tag can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on your chosen study materials, prep courses, tutoring options, and travel requirements.
| Expense type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Study materials | Free – $300 |
| GMAT prep courses | $500 – $2,000 |
| GMAT tutoring | $100 – $200+ per hour |
| Travel costs | Varies |
Free study materials: The GMAT Focus Official Starter Kit is a free resource that provides a limited but valuable set of real practice materials directly from the test makers to help familiarize yourself with the updated GMAT exam format and content areas.
Paid study materials: GMAT paid study materials cost $10 to $30 for a simple section review book or up to $300 for a full study collection that covers all 3 sections as well as test-taking strategies and practice exams.
GMAT prep courses:
Self-paced online courses cost $500 to $1,000 for those with good study habits.
Live online courses cost $1,400 to $1,600 for students needing more structure.
An in-person classroom course costs $1,500 to $2,000 for those needing more teacher interaction and feedback.
GMAT tutoring: A GMAT tutor costs $100 to $150 per hour for less experienced tutors or those focusing on general test prep. Experienced tutors or those specializing in specific areas cost $200+ per hour.
Travel costs: If you want to test at a testing center, the potential transportation and accommodation expenses may include fuel, airfare, rental car, and hotels if there isn’t a test center near your home. However, travel costs can be avoided by using the online exam option.
GMAT structure
The GMAT Focus Edition test is the next generation of the GMAT launched in November 2023. The test is 2 hours and 15 minutes long, with one optional 10-minute break. The test includes 64 multiple-choice questions in 3 sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
The 3 GMAT sections are scored from 60 to 90, with a minimum total score of 205 to 805. The total score is not the sum of the 3 section scores. Instead, your GMAT score is calculated using a scaled algorithm that compares your performance across all three sections relative to other test-takers with a minimum baseline score of 205.
| GMAT test section | Time | # of questions | What is tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative reasoning | 45 minutes | 21 | Assesses problem-solving skills using fundamental algebraic and arithmetic concepts without a calculator |
| Verbal reasoning | 45 minutes | 23 | Evaluates critical reasoning and reading comprehension skills |
| Data insights | 45 minutes | 20 | Measures data literacy, digital skills, and ability to analyze and apply data to business scenarios. |
The GMAT Focus Edition offers increased flexibility and quicker turnaround over the previous test format. Updates include:
Test-takers can choose the order in which they attempt the three test sections and can bookmark, review, and change up to 3 answers per section.
Both online and in-person test takers can immediately select their target programs and send their score reports to 5 schools for free within 48 hours. Additional score reports can be purchased.
The new score reports for the GMAT Focus Edition still have a total score but the report now includes separate scores for each of the three sections.
Unlike the previous traditional GMAT, there's no need to cancel your Focus Edition score since you don't choose schools upfront. You can choose which scores to send to schools later, and your canceled scores won't be visible to them.
GMAT FAQs
What is the GMAT test?
The GMAT is a standardized test used for admission to most graduate business programs like MBA.
How long is the GMAT?
As of November 2023, the GMAT Focus Edition is 2 hours and 15 minutes long with three 45-minute sections and an optional 10-minute break.
Where can I take the GMAT?
You can take the GMAT exam at designated test centers worldwide or through an online proctored option from your location, with appointments available throughout the year.
What is a good GMAT score?
The consensus is that a 700+ GMAT score makes you an excellent candidate, while 650 to 690 is a solidly good rank. However, the ideal target score depends on the class averages of the specific MBA programs you are applying to. Scoring at or above a school's average will make your GMAT score competitive for admission.
What is the difference between the GMAT and the GRE?
The GMAT and GRE are both standardized tests used for graduate school admissions. The GMAT is specifically for MBA program applicants and has a slightly higher registration fee compared to the GRE which costs less and is a more general test used for admission to a wider range of graduate programs.
Questions to ask a GMAT tutor
Ask potential GMAT tutors these questions to select an experienced, qualified tutor who best fits your needs, learning style, schedule, and budget:
How long have you been tutoring for the GMAT?
What did you score on the GMAT?
What are your areas of expertise within the GMAT?
Do you have experience working with students with similar backgrounds and goals to mine?
Can you describe your teaching style?
How do you assess a student's strengths and weaknesses?
What types of study materials do you use?
How do you structure your tutoring sessions?
What is your approach to homework and practice problems?
How do you help students manage their time effectively during the GMAT?
What is your hourly rate or package pricing?
What is your cancellation policy for tutoring sessions?
Do you offer online or in-person tutoring?
What resources do you recommend for additional GMAT prep outside of tutoring sessions?
What are your expectations for students in terms of commitment and effort?
How do you stay up to date on the latest changes to the GMAT?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.